Internet Desk: Indian goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu creates history as he is going to play in Europa League play-offs for Norway club Stabaek FC. He is the first Indian to play for any European club in the Europa League for the 2016-17 season.
Earlier, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu made a historic debut league start for Stabaek FC in the 13th round of the 2016 Norwegian top flight Tippeligaen, a first for any Indian in Europe.
Facing Idrettsklubben Kristiansand Start (IK Start), Gurpreet also managed to keep a cleansheet where his team emerged victorious, thrashing the home side 5-0 away from home. With that win however, Stabaek FC still remain in the relegation battle as they only have ten points from thirteen games, making this their third win of the season.
According to Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, “It Feels unbelievable as an Indian born footballer participating in the Europa league. It is huge but it seems unreal to me. I am very much excited looking forward for the match. Every single day I have spent in Europe has been a challenge so it won’t be anything new. I am very much excited looking forward for the match.”
In the past, Baichung Bhutia and Sunil Chhetri have played for European clubs but could not be a regular to their respective sides. Indian captain Sunil Chhetri played for Sporting Lisbon B team for a small stint while India’s football icon Baichung Bhutia played 37 matches scoring 3 goals from 1999-2002 for Bury FC in Manchester, England.
Europa league draw just came out we face Connah’s Quay Nomads from Wales on the 30th of June @Stabaek #EuropaLeague pic.twitter.com/f3CGKw0GKk
— Gurpreet Singh (@GurpreetGK) June 20, 2016